Volunteer

How to Get Involved

The Food Bank is run by a full time Director supported by a large staff of unpaid volunteers and we are looking for additional help.  Working at the Food Bank provides an opportunity to assist people in our community with some of their most fundamental needs.  Your time spent as a volunteer will be rewarded with new friendships and appreciation from all who are involved with the Food Bank. 

Following is a list of volunteer opportunities at the Alameda Food Bank. While most of the opportunities may be currently filled, we can always use more help!! You will notice that many of the weekly jobs show multiple days of the week. Many volunteers fill in one day a week for these programs - so if you can only make it on Mondays, for example, that is just fine.

Weekly:

Client Greeter- Check client ID and paperwork, sign-up new clients.
Ideal Volunteer- Friendly, good with paperwork/details, multi-lingual a bonus.
(Mon., Wed., Fri. from 12:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sat. from 10:30 am -1:00 pm)

Produce Table- Prepare produce for distribution. Assist clients in shopping for produce.
Ideal Volunteer- Friendly, loves fruit and vegetables, organizing skills.
(Mon., Wed., Fri. from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sat. from 10:00 am -1:00 pm)

Ticket Runner- Prepare meat freezer and produce bags. Fulfill client order tickets.
Ideal Volunteer- Organized, ability to lift 40 lbs., less client contact.
(Mon., Wed., Fri. from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sat. from 10:00 am-1:00 pm)

Food Box Packer- Prepare non-perishable food boxes for households of various sizes.
Ideal Volunteer- Ability to work independently, lift 25 lbs., minimal client contact.
(Mon., Wed., Fri. from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm)

Food Box Shopper- Assist clients with selecting their own non-perishable goods.
Ideal Volunteer- Friendly, multi-lingual a bonus.
(Only the 2^nd and 3^rd Sat. of each month from 10:30 am- 1:00 pm)

Produce Packer- Receive and prep Trader Joe’s donations non-program days.
Ideal Volunteer- Organizational skills, ability to lift 40 lbs., no client contact.
(Sun., Tues., and Thurs. from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm)

TJ’s Pick-up- Drive the Food Bank van to pick up Trader Joe’s donation once a week.
Ideal Volunteer- Clean DMV record for 5 years & ability to lift 50 lbs. Great for couples.
(Every day from 10:30 am-12:30 pm)

Farmer’s Market Pick-Up- Drive the van to pick up Farmer’s Markets donations.
Ideal Volunteer- Clean DMV record for 5 years & ability to lift 50 lbs. Great for couples.
(Sun. from 1:30 to 3:30 at Jack London Square. Tues. from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Webster)

Perishable Food Program- Sort and distribute perishable food at 650 W. Ranger.
Ideal Volunteer- Friendly, organizational skills.
(Thurs. from 8:30 am- 11:00 am) 

Monthly:

CFS Distribution- Preparation and distribution of canned goods at 650 W. Ranger.
Ideal Volunteer- Great FAMILY Opportunity! All skills put to use.
(First Sat. of each month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm)

CFS Home Delivery- Deliver CFS food to 4-6 homebound clients.
Ideal Volunteer- Great opportunity for parent/ child or couples. Light lifting.
(First Sat. of each month from 9:00 am to 11:00 am)

USDA Distribution- Variety of tasks from checking in clients to prep to distribution.
Ideal Volunteer- Great opportunity for someone with limited time. All skills utilized.
(Third Wed. of each month from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm)

USDA Home Delivery- Deliver USDA food to 4-6 homebound clients.
Ideal Volunteer- Great opportunity for parent/ child or couples. Light lifting.
(Third Wed. of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm)

USDA Prep Day- Receive USDA food and prepare trailer for mass distribution.
Ideal Volunteer- Ability to lift 40 lbs., and organizational skills.
(Third Tues. of each month from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm) 

How to Contact Us

If you are interested in volunteering for these or perhaps other positions at the Food Bank, please call 510/523 5850 or send us an email with your information and we will get back to you right away.